Alberta’s poultry industry is facing a severe avian flu season, causing significant challenges for producers like Scott Olson, a turkey farmer from Wetaskiwin. Olson, who previously lost his 10,000-bird flock in both the spring and fall of 2022 due to wild geese migration, is now grappling with his third outbreak and subsequent cull.
In response, Olson is diligently disinfecting his barns and preparing for a fresh start after Christmas with new hatchlings. Highlighting the gravity of the situation, Olson, also a director with Alberta Turkey Producers, emphasized the necessity of stamping out the disease promptly to prevent its spread to neighboring farms.
As of Nov. 30, Alberta had 11 commercial poultry farms under the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s active quarantine and containment. The province has experienced a surge in avian flu cases, with a total of 2.5 million bird deaths over recent years, making it the second-highest affected region after British Columbia.
Jeff Notenbomer, a chicken breeder near Lethbridge, expressed concerns about the heightened vigilance needed to prevent outbreaks. Stringent biosecurity measures, such as flock isolation and visitor restrictions, are crucial in combating the highly contagious avian influenza.
University of Alberta biology professor Kathy Magor, an expert in avian flu, highlighted the challenges in maintaining high biosecurity levels on farms, particularly in areas with dense poultry populations near bird migration routes. While Canada geese are often blamed for spreading the virus, Magor suggested that other migrating species may play a more significant role in transmission.
In light of the recent outbreaks, Alberta farmers are on high alert, implementing strict protocols to safeguard their flocks. Despite the devastating impact on individual farmers, the outbreaks are not expected to significantly affect poultry prices for consumers. However, affected producers face substantial financial losses and operational disruptions.
The proactive measures taken by farmers include depopulating infected farms, establishing primary containment zones, and adhering to stringent biosecurity protocols. Once farms are cleared by inspectors, normal operations can resume, but the recovery process can be lengthy and mentally taxing for farmers like Olson.
While the Canadian Food Inspection Agency did not provide comments on the Alberta situation, Olson expressed frustration with the recurring cycle of outbreaks on his farm. Despite the challenges, producers remain committed to working closely with regulatory agencies to mitigate the impact of avian flu on the poultry industry.
